Music to Save Lives - Troy Gray Concert at Shining Lights of Hope Event

Music to Save Lives: Concert to Benefit Suicide Prevention

Denver –July 24, 2007– “Music saved my life,” says Troy Gray, a Colorado Nuevo flamenco guitarist with a story to tell. Troy was only 19 years old when he attempted suicide after experiencing unbearable psychological trauma. “I would escape behind doors for hours and play guitar. It helped me express the anger, the sadness, the emotions.”

Now almost twenty years later, he is a musician with a cause. His new CD released this year is entitled, “A New Beginning” and it celebrates his recovery through his music.

All proceeds from Troy’s concert will benefit the Carson J Spencer Foundation, a nonprofit sustaining a passion for life through innovative mental health promotion programs. The concert is open to the public and will be held at the Wynkoop Brewing Company (1634 18th Street, Denver) on July 28th at 8:00pm ($10 pre-register on www.blacktie-colorado.com or $15 at the door; free to students with valid ID).
The concert follows a Benefit Auction Evening featuring Colorado’s First Lady Jeannie Ritter (5:00-8:00pm, also at the Wynkoop).

“This is not your typical mental health awareness event,” says Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, executive director of the Carson J Spencer Foundation who is a psychologist and survivor of her brother’s suicide. “Troy’s story is inspirational, and his music rocks. Attendees will have a memorable, meaningful and fun time.”
For more information, please call Sally Spencer-Thomas 303-458-4323 or visit www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

About the Carson J Spencer Foundation: Sustaining a Passion for Life
The Carson J Spencer Foundation, a non-profit organization, was founded in April 2005 following the suicide of Carson J. Spencer. The Carson J Spencer Foundation helps people live their best lives by shining a light of hope and offering guidance during difficult times. The Carson J Spencer Foundation promotes entrepreneurial ideals through venture philanthropy, innovative mental health programming/advocacy and scholarships to individuals showing entrepreneurial promise.

First Lady Jeannie Ritter Advocates for Mental Health

Denver –June 6, 2007– With the recent signing of Senate Bill 36 by Governor Ritter to make coverage of mental disorders mandatory, the mental health community is ready to celebrate. The Shining Lights of Hope event will benefit the Carson J Spencer Foundation and honor all mental health advocates. Colorado’s First Lady, Jeannie Ritter will lead the charge. The event takes place from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Wynkoop Brewing Company, 1634 18th Street. The cost is $75 until July 20 and $100 at the door.

The law expands the number of mental health disorders covered to additional diagnoses including: eating disorders, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorders and more. Senate Bill 36’s sponsors Senator Moe Keller and Representative Debbie Stafford will be honored during the evening for their efforts to shine a light on mental health advocacy.

Festivities throughout the evening will include 9News anchor Cheryl Preheim as emcee, a sponsored microbrew tasting and an array of items featured at a live and silent auction.

“This is not your typical mental health awareness event,” says Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, executive director of the Carson J Spencer Foundation who is a psychologist and survivor of her brother’s suicide. “The First Lady has an incredible way of inspiring people to get engaged in the cause of mental health advocacy. Attendees will have a memorable, meaningful and fun time.”

For more information, please call Sally Spencer-Thomas 303-458-4323 or visit www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

Troy Gray to play at the CJSF Auction Night Event!

Troy Gray will be performing at The Carson J Spencer Foundation's Benefit Auction Event! This is great news, Troy is a wonderful musician! Check out Troy's MySpace Page .

Troy Gray

World Beat / Rumba / Nuevo Flamenco Guitar

CJSF Event News - Benefit Auction Event July 28th, 2007

The Carson J Spencer Foundation presents a Benefit Auction Event

SHINING LIGHTS OF HOPE

Please join Colorado’s First Lady Jeannie Ritter, 9News Anchor Cheryl Preheim and the Carson J Spencer Foundation as we celebrate Shining Lights of Hope, a benefit to support people living their best lives through mental health initiatives. Senator Moe Keller and Representative Debbie Stafford will be honored for their efforts to shine a light on mental health awareness. The evening’s festivities will feature a dazzling Wynkoop dinner, a sponsored Microbrew Tasting and an array of exciting items featured at both the Live and Silent Auction.

Spread the word! Register today!

Saturday, July 28 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Wynkoop Brewing Company ~ 1634 28th Street

Cost is $75 until July 20 and $100 at the door.

Two ways to register:

1. www.blacktie-colorado.com/CJSF/auction
   Events Calendar for July 28th (credit card)
2. Mail (check)

Checks should be made payable to The Carson J Spencer Foundation and sent to:

The Carson J Spencer Foundation

P.O. Box 351418

Westminster, CO 80235

Additional Information: Joyce Spencer at Bob@CarsonJSpencer.org

Sustaining a passion for life.